We tend to think that dogs, being naturally sociable animals, will always get along with other animals. For this reason, many families consider introducing another dog at home.
However, animals, just like people, can get along very badly with each other. When this happens, living together can become a real headache and the owners do not know how to deal with the problem.
In this post we are going to give you the necessary advice so that living with two or more dogs does not become hell. Keep reading this article on our site to find out what to do when two dogs don't get along.
The presentation of the two dogs
Increasing the canine family can be very positive when a dog spends a lot of time alone, but it's important to do it the right way to avoid problems of compatibility between both dogs.
Dogs are very territorial animals and if they feel that a new animal is invading their space there may be problems of aggression and even try to attack the other dog and, most of the time, we do not know what to do when two dogs do not get along inside the house. For this reason, it is essential that before introducing the new tenant to the house, they first get to know each other on neutral ground, such as a park.
It may happen that they get along great from the first moment or that you detect that there are quarrels between them (they growl or challenge each other), in these cases it is advisable to start going for walks together so that they get used to the presence of the other in a relaxed atmosphere before they begin to live together.
How should we act inside the house
Dogs see their home as a territory to defend, so they can become aggressive when another enters. It is very important to know what to do when two dogs do not get along to avoid major problems.
One of the most important issues is the education of dogs. As the owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your pets respond to the orders you give them and that they obey the rules of the house. This is a very important step when introducing a new member to the family. If you don't get along, you can start teaching your new dog separately and gradually bring them together as training progresses. In this way we will be able to teach each animal to respect the space and possessions of the other Each one will have its bed, its feeder and its toys, especially at the beginning, so there will be fewer problems with possessive dogs.
Roles must be well marked, you are the leader of the pack and you must make it clear. However, violence generates more violence, so you should never recriminate your dogs by hitting or yelling at them since, in addition to being considered animal abuse, your dogs can become more aggressive generating more fights between them. Always reward positive behaviors.
Between animals there is also a hierarchy, so when a new member is introduced to the family, unless one of the two is clearly submissive, there may be growls or challenges between them. This is a normal attitude and you should not worry.
Sometimes they fight for the owner's affection, so you should avoid giving one more affection than the other and, at At the same time, show the veteran of the house that nothing has changed despite the arrival of a new friend.
What to do when two dogs get along very badly?
If you have followed our advice but still feel that you cannot control your animals and you no longer know what to do if your two dogs get along badly, it would be best to consult an ethologist to analyze the situation and help you find a solution to the problem.
As we have explained, growling and small fights are common among dogs, however, when we talk about serious fights and situations of lack of control, the visit of a professional is required to guide us with appropriate guidelines and advice for our case. The ethologist will help us by evaluating our daily routine (walks, exercise and others), the well-being of both dogs and what are the causes that are causing this situation.
And you have more than one dog at home? How do they get? How was the introduction of the new member in the family? Tell us in the comments.
